Abstract: The present invention discloses a solution for performing a sharing an ongoing data session between a first user and a group of at least one additional user in a telecommunication system. The basic idea of this invention is to provide a network integration node with a shared streaming session logic, replication logic and group membership management functions of a conference node, like for example the “Push to-talk over Cellular (PoC)” application. Using this functionality the conference system is to be included into the ongoing streaming session, shall invite additional members and forward the streaming traffic to them as well. This results into a shared streaming service using unicast communication resources.

Abstract: An emergency shepherd service includes at least one communications facility configured to provide communication services to at least one communication device in a service area and a notification subsystem including at least one processor and a computer readable medium with instructions. The instructions may be configured to cause the processor to receive information relevant to an affected area and identify at least one communication facility associated with the affected area based on a predetermined knowledge of a site of the communication facility. The instructions may be further configured to cause the processor to discover at least one communication device associated with the communication facility, determine that the communication device should be notified about the information, and send a message based on the information to the communication device.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises an exchange of messages between an access point and a wireless network switch. One message, a PROXY IGMP JOIN message, is transmitted to the access point for propagation to a multicast router. This is performed so that multicast data associated with the multicast group identified by the PROXY IGMP JOIN message is routed to the access point without any unnecessary involvement by the wireless network switch.

Abstract: A communication transfer apparatus and a communication transfer method can transfer communications at low cost without the need of requesting a global IP network to switch any port number. The local internet protocol address of the origin terminal of transfer described in a record relating to a transfer out of the records of the masquerade table that is utilized for an internet protocol masquerade is rewritten as the local internal protocol address of the destination terminal of transfer, while maintaining the global port number of the record.

Abstract: A unified system of programming communication. The system encompasses the prior art (television, radio, broadcast hardcopy, computer communications, etc.) and new user specific mass media. Within the unified system, parallel processing computer systems, each having an input (e.g., 77) controlling a plurality of computers (e.g., 205), generate and output user information at receiver stations. Under broadcast control, local computers (73, 205), combine user information selectively into prior art communications to exhibit personalized mass media programming at video monitors (202), speakers (263), printers (221), etc. At intermediate transmission stations (e.g., cable television stations), signals in network broadcasts and from local inputs (74, 77, 97, 98) cause control processors (71) and computers (73) to selectively automate connection and operation of receivers (53), recorder/players (76), computers (73), generators (82), strippers (81), etc.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of pairing with a directional code sequence. In one embodiment a method includes discovering that a user device is within proximity of a pairing device. A directional code sequence based upon variations in the position of the user device is obtained and a communication link is established between the user device and the pairing device in response to the directional code sequence. In another embodiment, a system includes a user device and a pairing device configured to establish a communication link with the user device in response to a sequence of position variations of the user device. In another embodiment, a method includes obtaining a sequence of characters corresponding to a directional code sequence from a pairing device and transmitting a signal from a user device to the pairing device from a sequence of positions corresponding to the sequence of characters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for broadcasting a message to selected devices. More specifically, the method and system identifies appropriate VoIP devices of a recipient client suitable for a broadcast message and transmits the broadcast message to the identified appropriate VoIP devices over a digital communication channel. The appropriate VoIP devices are selected in accordance with various constraints of broadcasting such as recipient client's preference, functionality and capability of the recipient VoIP device, broadcaster's bandwidth, a set of broadcasting rules, or the like. In order to identify appropriate VoIP devices or a recipient client, the information relating to the recipient client and VoIP devices may be exchanged using the digital communication channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for emulating the reception of a multicast message considering simulated host channel characteristics. Methods, according to various embodiments, may comprise executing a plurality of host applications subscribing to a first multicast group address. The methods may also comprise executing a plurality of sockets. The methods may also comprise receiving a data packet indicating the first multicast group address. The data packet may be modified according to a first channel impairment condition to generate a first impaired data packet, which may be directed to a first host application selected from the plurality of host applications via a first socket selected from the plurality of sockets. The first socket may correspond to the first host. The data packet may be modified according to a second channel impairment condition to generate a second impaired data packet directed to a second host application via a second socket.

Abstract: Methods for multiple-termination routing in a wireless network environment that includes an Internet Protocol (“IP”) core are described herein. One method includes receiving a call delivery request. The call delivery request includes a called number. The call features associated with the called number are determined. A determination is made whether the call features include multiple-termination routing information for a plurality of potential terminating devices. When the call features include the multiple-termination routing information including at least one termination to be routed utilizing Session Initiation Protocol (“SIP”), a call setup is initiated to each of the plurality of potential terminating devices.

Abstract: An arrangement and method in a wireless communication network provides users with full control of service management, defines how a user can enter or leave services, and defines dependencies between services. A mobile terminal initiates establishment of a group and creates a unique groupID. The terminal sends invitations to other terminals to join the group and includes the unique groupID and a service feature tag for a desired service. The terminal will not request a service if it is incompatible with a service already running. Terminals that receive invitations store the groupID and service feature tags. These parameters are used to send acceptances or rejections, and to join later or leave a service.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a server having a controller to receive presence information from each presence source of a plurality of presence sources, wherein the presence information is associated with a user, receive a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) which identifies the user, wherein identification information associated with the user from each presence source is mapped to the SIP URI, select at least a portion of the received presence information to be utilized in determining a presence status of the user, determine the presence status of the user based on the selected presence information, and transmit the presence status and the SIP URI to a computing device operably coupled to an Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) network. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Conventional game consoles have a preference to connect to the Internet, which facilitates audio communications by gamers. However, when conventional game consoles are connected over a local area network, they somehow inhibit audio communications. A game communications exchange is coupled to game consoles and audio gear sets of gamers to facilitate audio communications by creating a common channel and distribute audio information from the common channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for controlling a multimedia conference by an application server, the method includes: in the multimedia conference, the application server divides the m-line in a received terminal session description protocol (SDP), message into two SDPs according to the type of media, and sends them respectively to an audio-video media server and a data media server, or assembles SDPs returned by the audio-video media server and the data media server into one SDP, and sends it to a terminal. The apparatus includes an application server, and the application server includes an SDP dividing module and an SDP assembling module.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for receiving data from each of a plurality of components in a network, the components being arranged as a plurality of multicast trees, the data from each of the components indicating a structure of a portion of the network and at least one attribute associated with the respective component. The disclosure further provides for determining, based on the data, a structure of at least some of the multicast trees, receiving search criteria, and determining which of the multicast trees meet the search criteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distributed paging system. The distributed paging system includes a combined data and digital audio network and a plurality of paging system consoles. Each paging system console includes an operator interface to select one or more paging destinations and is arranged to transmit data packets including paging destination data across the network. A number of addressable amplifier modules are provided in communication with the network and are responsive to the data packets. Each of the amplifier modules has an associated address and is arranged to operate according to whether paging destination data contained within the data packets relates to the associated address.

Abstract: Delivery of a text message and/or voice mail message may include identifying a recipient of the message, receiving a notification indicative of one of the subscriber's availability, the subscriber's presence and the subscriber's location, recording the message, selectively converting a voice mail message to a text message based on the notification, and delivering either the text message or the voice mail message to a device of the recipient based on the notification. The text message and/or voice mail message may be delivered via a map, wherein selection of a location on the map may retrieve the text message and/or voice mail message.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for performing packet loss concealment (PLC) to mitigate the effect of one or more lost frames within a series of frames that represent a speech signal. In accordance with the exemplary systems and methods, PLC is performed by searching a codebook of speech-related parameter profiles to identify content that is being spoken and by selecting a profile associated with the identified content for use in predicting or estimating speech-related parameter information associated with one or more lost frames of a speech signal. The predicted/estimated speech-related parameter information is then used to synthesize one or more frames to replace the lost frame(s) of the speech signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes a system and method for blended telephone network and computer network customer support interactions. The system may include a web server, one or more controllers, a telephone exchange, a monitoring server, and one or more client devices. The method may include receiving a multimedia support request, establishing a multimedia communications session, instructing a telephony application associated with the multimedia communications session to place a telephone call, routing and connecting the telephone call to an available endpoint, identifying the available endpoint when the telephone call is connected to the available endpoint, and transmitting an invitation to participate in the multimedia communications session to the available endpoint.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sending multicast messages are disclosed. A multicast message is received to be transmitted to a plurality of access terminals at a radio access network (RAN), the received multicast message having a first format. The first format may correspond to a conventional multicast message format. The RAN determines whether the received multicast message requires special handling. If the RAN determines the received multicast message requires special handling, the radio access network converts the received multicast message from the first format into a second format. The RAN transmits the converted multicast message with the second format (e.g., a data over signaling (DOS) message) on a control channel to at least one of the plurality of access terminals. The access terminals receiving the converted multicast message interpret the message as a multicast message.

Abstract: A computer program of the type commonly known as a “wizard” is disclosed that initializes user interface software for controlling an audio conferencing device. The wizard allows the desired audio inputs (e.g., microphone, telephones, etc.) and audio outputs (speakers, recording devices, etc.) to be chosen by an audio system administrator. Thereafter, the wizard allows an audio conferencing device (or devices) to be chosen by the administrator, or allows such a device(s) to be optimally chosen dependent upon the chosen inputs and outputs. The wizard then maps the inputs and outputs to the input and output ports on the audio conferencing device. When the administrator finishes the wizard, the wizard computes the mapping parameters and other audio-optimizing parameters for the selected inputs and outputs. These parameters are then loaded into the user interface software automatically.

Abstract: A method and system to utilize an Extensible Markup Language (XML) Configuration Access Protocol (XCAP) in which a MOVE command is newly defined, and a user setting information movement request is processed in one operation, are disclosed. A method of controlling movement of particular user setting information registered in a server includes, at a client, transmitting a movement request message including a movement command to set user information, and at the server, processing movement of the particular user setting information as commanded by the movement request message and transmitting a response message.

Abstract: Methods and systems consistent with the present invention provide efficient packet replication in a router in order to multicast a stream of data. Packets are replicated and processed in a multithreaded environment. Embodiments consistent with the present invention implement a two-stage process for packet replication. The first stage thread will recirculate the packet to multiple second-stage threads. These second-stage threads will then create one or more outgoing copies of the packet. In this way, the copies are handled by multiple threads running in parallel.

Abstract: Implementing a standardized interpretive engine includes externalizing a business requirement into a component class of a data control structure, defining a solution to the business requirement, entering the solution into metadata within the component class, and pulling data from a data warehouse into the component class based upon the business requirement. Pulling the data includes aggregating sub-tending data from the data warehouse. The aggregation is specified to a level requested via the component class. Implementing the standardized interpretive engine also includes performing a calculation on the data in accordance with the business requirement. The data is pulled away from the data warehouse and forward to the component class, such that a single data source associated with the data is usable multiple times for a plurality of component classes.

Abstract: A method for performing a hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) by a relay station (RS) in a wireless communication system is provided. The method comprises performing HARQ with a mobile station (MS) by a fixed HARQ period; and performing HARQ with a base station (BS) by a HARQ period series, wherein the HARQ period series comprises a plurality of HARQ period series element (Xk,yk), where (Xk,yk) indicates that when data is transmitted in n-th subframe, an ACK/NACK signal is received in (n+xk)-th subframe and the data is retransmitted in (n+xk+yk)-th subframe when the ACK/NACK signal is a NACK signal, wherein at least one of xk and yk for one HARQ period in the HARQ period series is different from at least one of xk and yk for the other HARQ period in the HARQ period series.

Abstract: Aspects of a system for enabling secure wireless communication of information between stations in a communication system may comprise a configurator, that exchanges configuration information with a client station, in an IEEE 802.11 communication system. The exchange of configuration information may be encrypted based on information transmitted between the configurator and the client station via a communication network, and information that remains locally on the configurator and locally on the client station. Aspects of a method for enabling secure wireless communication of information between stations in a communication system may comprise exchanging configuration information between a configurator and a client station, in an IEEE 802.11 communication system.

Abstract: A system and method using a local wireless network for group communications are provided. The method includes establishing one of a plurality of mobile communication units as a master communication unit and establishing as slave communication units each of the plurality of mobile communication units that are not established as the master communication unit. The method further includes communicating group call information only to the master communication unit with the master communication unit redistributing the group call information to the slave communication units using a local wireless communication network.

Abstract: A method and computer-readable medium for establishing a push-to-talk social group are provided. According to the method, group setup information is received from a member of the push-to-talk social group, and a data transmission, including an internet address of an internet application that manages push-to-talk social groups, is sent to each member of the push-to-talk social group. Push-to-talk calling may be monitored in a push-to-talk gateway application, based upon the group setup information. When a push-to-talk call is detected in which a first member of the push-to-talk social group is active, other members of the push-to-talk social group are informed that the first member is active on the detected push-to-talk call. Other members of the group may then initiate a push-to-talk call with the first member.

Abstract: A network device establishes first and second Ethernet link aggregation groups (LAGs) at a first access site of an optical transport network (OTN), and creates a first optical channel (OCh) LAG subpath from the first Ethernet LAG, via a second access site of the OTN, to an Ethernet LAG at a third access site of the OTN. The network device also creates a second OCh LAG subpath from the first Ethernet LAG, via a distribution site of the OTN, to the Ethernet LAG at the third access site, and creates a first optical data unit (ODUk) LAG subpath from the second Ethernet LAG to an Ethernet LAG at the second access site. The network device further creates a second ODUk LAG subpath from the second Ethernet LAG, via the distribution site and the third access site, to the Ethernet LAG at the second access site.

Abstract: A situation is circumvented where wireless communication becomes impossible in a wireless LAN system under the influence of a blocking object, noise caused by an electromagnetic wave, or the like. A wireless LAN system comprises: a relay which can communicate with an external system; a master which can communicate with the relay; and a plurality of slaves which can wirelessly communicate with the master, the plurality of slaves including a first group and a second group, the first group comprising an alternative slave having a function of transmitting, when a portion of the slaves cannot receive a synchronization signal from the master, an information signal received from the master to the portion of slaves, and the second group comprising non-alternative slaves and not having the function of transmitting the information signal to the portion of slaves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an earthquake and tsunami warning system (ETWS) technology, and in particular to a system, apparatus and methods for broadcasting and transmitting an ETWS message. The system for broadcasting and transmitting an ETWS message includes: an ETWS message publishing entity, adapted to publish an ETWS message; a cell broadcast center (CBC), adapted to: encapsulate the ETWS message published by the ETWS message publication entity into a cell broadcast service (CBS) message, and send the CBS message; a mobility management entity (MME), adapted to forward the CBS message sent by the CBC to a radio access network (RAN); and the RAN, adapted to: receive the CBS message forwarded by the MME, and send the received CBS message to a user equipment (UE). The preceding system provides a new technical solution for transmitting an ETWS message, which can guarantee the security of the ETWS message transmission by using the security mechanism of the CBS.

Abstract: An approach for providing custom call waiting with media messaging is disclosed. A request is received from a first voice station to establish a voice communication session with a called party station. A detection is made that the called party station is currently in communication with a second voice station. A content designated from a call-waiting condition for presentation to a caller is retrieved. The content to either the first voice station or the second voice station is retrieved in response to a user input from the called party device.

Abstract: A Passive Optical Network (PON) multicast management method includes: an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) performs multicast control according to multicast control information, and generates a corresponding multicast downstream command; the OLT sends the multicast downstream command to an Optical Network Unit (ONU); and the ONU resolves the multicast downstream command, and performs multicast control according to the multicast downstream command. Accordingly, a PON multicast communication system, an OLT, and an ONU are disclosed. Through the multicast control mechanism introduced into the PON system, the PON multicast functions are enhanced, and the same data destined for multiple ONUs is prevented from being sent repeatedly in the network, and thus the network bandwidth resources are saved.

Abstract: Aggregator devices and methods are disclosed for establishing device interaction in an environment containing other electronic devices and the aggregator device. The aggregator device has a transmitter, receiver, memory storing interaction rules, and a processor for implementing the interaction rules in association with the transmitter, receiver, and other devices of the environment. The methods involve transmitting a message to the aggregator from a first device, referencing rules of device interaction for the environment, and then according to the rules of device interaction, transmitting a message from the aggregator to a second device. The rules of device interaction may include instructions that are to be transmitted from the aggregator in response to the aggregator receiving change of state messages from devices of the environment.

Abstract: A system (10), method (90) and apparatus (14) are provided for provisioning a multicast stream, such as an IP multicast stream, in a network. The system includes a first tier (12), such as a national backbone, with a first Multicast Address Discovery (MCAD) directory (34), and at least one second tier having a headend, such as a regional headend (14), with a second MCAD directory (36, 38). The system (10) includes a tiered MCAD directory network that allows the assignment of multicast addresses to multicast streams received from an upper tier MCAD directory. The tiered MCAD directory structure allows for requesting and storing stream descriptors and delivering stream descriptors on-demand to MCAD-enabled devices throughout the system. The system (10) also allows for stream provisioning maintenance and validation at lower tier headends via MCAD-enabled device queries or re-queries of upper tier MCAD directories.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an information processing apparatus in which a plurality of multimedia functions are installed and which is capable of wireless communication a counterpart apparatus, including: a setting unit configured to start up a multimedia function from the plurality of multimedia functions in accordance with a remote-control command sent from the counterpart apparatus; and a control unit configured to control a startup of the multimedia function in accordance with a startup made by the setting unit if the control unit receives the remote-control command.

Abstract: A system for enhancing eye gaze in a telepresence system includes a plurality of local cameras coupled to at least one local display. Each local camera is directed to at least one respective local user section and operable to generate an image of the respective local user section. The system also includes a plurality of remote displays. Each remote display is operable to reproduce the local video image of the local user section. Within the system the plurality of remote displays and the plurality of local cameras are aligned such that when a first local user within a local user section looks at a target at least one remote display is operable to reproduce the local video image of the first user section comprising the first local user such that the eye gaze of the reproduced image of the first local user is directed approximately at a corresponding target.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the invention, a method comprises detecting, by a wireless network switch, a new association between an access point and a wireless station. Thereafter, a first message is transmitted from the wireless network switch. The first message is adapted to cause the access point to (i) join a multicast group to which the wireless station is a member and (ii) transmit a multicast message directly to a multicast router without routing the multicast message via the wireless network switch.

Abstract: Datacasting systems may include one or more compound carousels each managing one or more elementary carousels, and managed by a bandwidth manager. Subsets of compounds carousels may be identified, for example, according to priority levels. Bandwidth allocations may be determined for the compound carousels. For example, the bandwidth manager may utilize multiple bandwidth allocation cycles to determine the bandwidth allocations. The multiple bandwidth allocation cycles may form a sequence. Each bandwidth allocation cycle may at least partially allocate an available datacasting bandwidth resource to at least one of the identified subsets of the compound carousels. The allocations may be based at least in part on desired bandwidths determined by the compound carousels and/or one or more bandwidth guidelines of datacast sessions associated with the compound carousels.

Abstract: A method for configuring and managing a multicast data delivery path in a wireless ad-hoc network and a multicast data delivery system using the same are disclosed. The method includes transmitting, by a parent node, first messages to respective child nodes, transmitting, by each of the child nodes, a second message to the parent node in response to the first message relayed by at least some of non-member nodes other than the parent node, performing an operation as a branch node by a non-member node receiving second messages belonging to the same multicast session and transmitted from different originators, and establishing, by the parent node receiving at least one second message, an Internet protocol (IP) tunnel with the originator of the received at least one second message.

Abstract: A communications manager of an enterprise receives an add-conference request to host a conference by the enterprise from an organizer client, wherein the conference to enable an anonymous user that does not have enterprise credentials to join the conference. The communications manager sends an add-conference response to the organizer client indicating that the conference is organized.

Abstract: A method for managing data transmissions in a subscriber pool involves receiving a telematics unit call at a call center on a channel other than a packet data channel, and from the call and at the call center, recognizing that the packet data channel is unavailable in a predetermined coverage region. A notification is transmitted to the telematics unit and/or to a plurality of telematics units in the predetermined coverage region indicating that the packet data channel is unavailable for a predetermined time. In response to the notification, a vehicle data upload setting is reset in the telematics unit and/or each of the plurality of telematics units to an alternate channel such that primary connection attempts made by the telematics unit and/or each of the plurality of telematics units are via the alternate channel during the predetermined time. A system for managing such data transmissions is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for supplying data objects to users of a communication system are disclosed. In an exemplary method a session is established between a first and second communication device, and a primary data object providing first information pertaining to a user of the first communication device is transferred to the second communication device upon the occurrence of a triggering event at the first communication device. A request for a secondary data object is transferred from the second communication device to a data server, the request including the first information and further including information pertaining to the user of the second communication device. A secondary data object intended for rendering at the first and second communication devices is created and transferred to the first and second communication devices.

Abstract: A method for updating real-time data between intervals in a communication processing center, having a data source and a data collector, includes receiving, at the data collector, real-time data at intervals from a data source. The real-time data includes information on the availability of aspects of a communication network. The received real-time data is stored in a memory. The occurrence of a specified triggering event between the intervals is detected. The stored real-time data is updated based on information relating to the specified triggering event.

Abstract: Systems and/or methods described herein may include an Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) optimization server in communication with network elements within an IMS network. The IMS SIP optimization server may facilitate an end-to-end SIP session between an originating user device and a terminating user device, while sending SIP session information to intermediate network elements in parallel. The IMS SIP optimization server may receive a SIP request from a first network element and send a related SIP request to a last network element. The IMS SIP optimization server may also send customized packet messages to any intermediate network elements, where the intermediate network elements are between the first network element and the last network element in the SIP sequence, and where the customized packet message includes SIP setup commands for each of the intermediate network elements.

Abstract: A system for optimized and distributed resource management, comprising a plurality of media servers, a statistics server, a historical statistics database, a forecasting engine, a scheduling engine, and an activity manager. The forecasting engine generates a forecast of estimated volume of imperative demand and determines a required volume of contingent demand to be handled based on managing a backlog of contingent demand. The scheduling engine generates a schedule that provides an adequate number of resources to handle the forecasted imperative demand and to handle the required volume of contingent demand over an aggregated time. The activity manager monitors statistical data, compares actual staffing and imperative demand to scheduled staffing and forecasted imperative demand, and determines activity switches needed to reallocate available resources, the activity switches only occurring switched after a configured minimum activity switching time.

Abstract: A system for storing data during a video telephony call includes a portable terminal which requests data storing; a base station connected to the portable terminal and requests storing of the data to a recording server; a recording server which requests a user registration and data storing to a data management server, and transmits a message indicative of the start of the data storing to the base station; and a data management server which provides the storage of the recorded data.

Abstract: A method (250) of intercepting a VOIP communication is disclosed. The method (250) includes: detecting (260) whether a subscriber-caller to be monitored goes off-hook; intercepting (270) the subscriber-caller when off-hook, if lawful intercept is authorized; and sending (280) substantially all communications between the subscriber-caller and a subscriber-callee, to a subscriber-agent. Advantageously, this can provide an efficient, useful, repeatable and scalable way to intercept VOIP communications.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a communication device having a controller to detect a media device operating externally to the communication device actively engaged in presenting media content, detect an incoming communication session initiated by another communication device, present a notice identifying the media device and the media content being presented by the media device, detect a directive to modify an operation of the media device to mitigate interrupting a communication session with the other communication device, and instruct the media device to modify its operation according to the directive. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for supporting session mobility, more particularly, a method for supporting session mobility that can move various sessions between two or more devices by using session initiation protocol (SIP). Various sessions can be simultaneously moved by utilizing a SIP PUBLISH message. Accordingly, a user can utilize various services as they are regardless of changing of service receiving device while the user utilizes various services. Also, the session mobility can be effectively supported whether the target of the session movement is known or not.

Abstract: A private communication network through which a plurality of member users communicate using the public switched telephone network (PSTN) is disclosed herein. Each member user utilizes either a modified land line telephone directly connected to PSTN, or uses a modified mobile telephone operatively coupled to the PSTN through a wireless communication system. The private communication network includes network call manager having a telephone network interface for establishing a telephone connection with each of a plurality of telephone lines of the PSTN. Each of the plurality of telephone lines is associated with one of the plurality of member users. The network call manager further includes a switch matrix, coupled to the telephone network interface, for providing an information signal received from an active member user over a selected telephone line to the remaining non-active member users.